In the exhibition Collectors, the GLAZENHUIS in Lommel shows 25 years of studio glass from three private collections. It is about two Belgian and one Dutch collection, in particular the collections of Dr. G. EMBRECHTS, Dr. D. SCHRIJVERS and gallery keeper, Mr. C.A. BRAGGIOTTI. Works by 33 international artists are shown.

The collector's roleGlass collectors play a considerable role in the propagation of the possibilities the medium can offer us, from decorative objects and pure forms, to extreme experiments and research. With the 'Collectors' exhibition, the Lommel glass centre wants to offer a platform to these people behind the scenes. Indeed, these collectors promote quite some young talent and they are happy to give contemporary glass artists a leg-up. The three collections have a personal colour and cover renowned names of the glass world.

From studio glass to contemporary artThe exhibited works of art belong to the so-called studio glass. It is created in the privacy of the own atelier. Contrary to industrial glass, the studio artist experiments in his studio and constantly looks for new forms of expression and techniques. Nowadays studio glass often makes the link to contemporary plastic art. It is no longer about form, aesthetics and technique only, but the artists also give expression to this world in an artistic way. In this exhibition the margin between art and applied art is sometimes paper-thin.

"You buy for yourself, but you hope for the future. My collectionrepresents the time in which we are living. It is a snapshot in time."Dr. G. EMBRECHTS

"GLASS INSPIRES, BUT THE ARTISTS INVOLVED IN IT, INSPIRE AS WELL"Dr. D. SCHRIJVERS

"Collecting is a way of life. My father collected Picasso, my mother silver. I collect glass."Mr. C.A. BRAGGIOTTI